Carrying attachment for a crutch

ABSTRACT

A carrying attachment is disclosed for holding letters, papers, books, and magazines. In some embodiments, the carrying attachment can be used for holding a flashlight, water bottle, etc. The carrying attachment can be attached to a crutch at any position and does not interfere with the adjustment of the leg or the use of the crutch handle. The carrying attachment may be constructed of a variety of materials such as, lightweight metal or plastic, among others.

CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/354,106 filed Jun. 11, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to crutches, and more particularly to attachments for providing convenient means to carry items while using a crutch.

2. Background of the Prior Art

Anyone who is deprived of the normal use of any of their bodily functions, even for a short period of time, knows that the performance of normal everyday activities, such as carrying a cup with a liquid, may be reduced or severely restricted during that time. One reason this may occur is that the individual is required to use their limbs to manipulate some type of artificial device to get around such as a wheelchair, cane, or crutches. The present invention is directed to an aid which is usable with such a device, in this case a crutch, which permits the user to manipulate the crutches and transport themselves while still performing the everyday simple activity of transporting a container having a liquid in it.

Productive adults are often injured during their leisure activities, such as in skiing accidents. In many cases, they suffer injuries requiring the temporary use of crutches for mobility. Crutches most commonly used during rehabilitation of such injuries are of the “Y” design. Such a crutch frame has two members that converge near the bottom and attach to a central leg member. The two frame members are spread apart at the top to support an under-arm brace. Horizontally opposing sets of holes in the frame members permit a handgrip to be attached between the frame members by a bolt and wing nut. Handgrip position is adjustable vertically for arm length by selecting the appropriate set of bolt holes. The central leg is similarly adjustable vertically in order to adapt the crutch to the user's height. There are at least four different types of “Y” crutches on the market, distinguishable by different frame cross-sections and materials of construction.

In order to continue performing their jobs, and even for everyday living, crutch users frequently have to carry a newspaper, documents, notepads, folders, mail, an address booklet, and similar articles found in both the home and business settings. Crutch users have considerable difficulty hand-carrying articles while simultaneously supporting themselves on a pair of crutches. Each crutch has a handgrip that the user grasps to both lean on and manipulate the crutch. While moving around on crutches, the user needs a method other than hand-carrying to transport even the smallest articles. A carrying device attached to one of the crutches can be of significant benefit to a productive adult, especially if it is capable of supporting articles found in the business setting, such as papers, folders, legal pads, and other predominantly thin, flat, and non-rigid articles.

Increasingly common in the business setting are metal 12 oz. beverage cans for single-service cold beverages, available from vending machines. With the popularity of vending machines in office complexes and other work facilities, a carrying device attachable to a crutch that not only supports business items, but which also supports an open 12 oz. beverage can, is highly desirable. Also of benefit is a carrying device which can be conveniently attached without tools to a wide variety of commercial crutch frames, and which is not as bulky as to limit the user's access through doorways or to knock things over.

Although carrying devices attachable to a crutch are known in the art, most are deficient in some respect. U.S. Pat. No. 3,429,541 to Herman, for example, shows a wire frame attachment that connects to handgrip adjusting holes below the handgrip, for carrying books, parcels, and other large objects. Although preferably made of resilient spring steel and coated with rubber, such a carrier has no way of clamping thin or small items because there is nothing to clamp against. The outermost end of the bent wire frame is centered between the two crutch frame members, requiring an article to be large and rigid so that both frame members resist the clamping force applied by the wire frame. A non-rigid article like a notepad would easily bend and avoid being clamped. Since the device is intended to be mounted in the handgrip holes below the handgrip, the lowermost position of the handgrip is unavailable. Mounting a carrying device above the handgrip is generally not feasible because articles then interfere with grasping the handgrip.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,148 to Cadman discloses a crutch carry-all attachment that has a hinged compartment for holding letters, papers, books, and the like. The compartment can be folded downward to carry a cup or beverage can. The attachment is bolted to the bottom leg of the crutch, which causes it to have limited usefulness when the leg is near its extreme extended or retracted position. In the leg extended position, the article being carried will be difficult to reach; in the leg retracted position, the attachment will interfere with the crutch handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,146,045 to Grant discloses a crutch carry-all attachment for holding small items such as papers, cigarettes, pens or pencils, and the like. The device is wedged between the side arms of the crutch and suffers from the same deficiencies as the Cadman patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,845 to Kravetz discloses a device that is attachable to the side of a crutch. The device interferes with the crutch handle to which the top portion is attached, and uses straps to attach the bottom portion to the sides of the crutch.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,327 to Nipper et al. discloses a cup holder that is attachable to the handle of a crutch. Like the Kravetz device, this appliance interferes with the crutch handle.

Thus, a need exists for a carrying attachment for a crutch that combines the features of convenience and versatility while avoiding interference with the operation of the crutch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a carrying attachment for a crutch that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. It is another object of the invention is to provide a carrying attachment that can be attached to a crutch for holding articles in a convenient position to the crutch user. A related object is to provide a carrying attachment for a crutch that is inexpensive and of simplified construction so as to be commercially feasible.

In accordance with the above objects, a carrying attachment is disclosed having a front plate and a back plate detachably connected to each other. The front plate has a convex central portion and the back plate has a concave central portion. When the back plate and the front plate are connected, the convex central portion and the concave central portion form a channel that allows a crutch leg to move freely within the channel. In addition, the convex central portion of the front plate comprises a receptacle for an attachment piece. The front plate and the back plate each have a first end and a second end. The first end of the front plate and the first end of the back plate form a receptacle for a first side rail. The second end of the front plate and the second end of the back plate form a receptacle for a second side rail. Once connected, the receptacles formed by the first and second plates prevent the carrying attachment from sliding along the first side rail and the second side rail.

The carrying attachment disclosed herein can be used for holding letters, papers, books, and magazines. In some embodiments, the carrying attachment can also be used for holding a flashlight or water bottle. The carrying attachment can be attached to a crutch at any position and does not interfere with the adjustment of the leg or the use of the crutch handle. The carrying attachment may be constructed of a variety of materials such as, lightweight metal or plastic, among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a front portion of a carrying attachment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a back portion of a carrying attachment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a shows a side view and FIG. 3 b shows a plan view of an attachment piece according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4-9 show various devices that can be used with a carrying attachment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention summarized above may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the claims and accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a carrying attachment for a crutch, indicated generally as 10. The carrying attachment 10 is adapted for use with a crutch 13 (partially shown) having a pair of side rails 15, 16 (also referred to as the first side rail 15 and the second side rail 16) and a handle (not shown) extending between and secured to the side rails 15, 16. The side rails 15, 16 converge inwardly at 18, 19 to engage a leg 22, which is secured therebetween. The crutch 13 is of conventional design and may vary in accordance with the needs of the user. Carrying attachment 10 comprises a front plate 25 and back plate 28, made of strong, lightweight material, such as aluminum or plastic. The front plate 25 and the back plate 28 are detachably connected to each other by a plurality of fasteners.

In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of the width of the carrying attachment 10 is sized and configured to fit between the side rails 15, 16. Additionally, the front plate 25 and back plate 28 of carrying attachment 10 are shaped on their outer ends 30, 31 and 33, 34, respectively, to conform to the shape of the side rails 15, 16. For example, in some embodiments, the ends 30, 31 of front plate 25 and ends 33, 34 of back plate 28 may be round to conform to round side rails 15, 16, while in other embodiments, the ends 30, 31 of front plate 25 and ends 33, 34 of back plate 28 may be rectangular to conform to square or rectangular side rails 15, 16. The first end 30 of the front plate 25 and the first end 33 of the back plate 28 come together forming a receptacle for the first side rail 15 when the front plate 25 and the back plate 28 are detachably connected to each other. The receptacle formed squeezes the first side rail 15 of the crutch 13. Similarly, the second end 31 of the front plate 25 and the second end 34 of the back plate 28 come together forming a receptacle for the second side rail 16 when the front plate 25 and the back plate 28 are detachably connected to each other. The receptacle formed squeezes the second side rail 16 of the crutch 13.

Typically, the front and back plates 25, 28 may be approximately 5½ inches wide and approximately 2 inches tall. Other sizes can be used, for example, in one further embodiment, the front and back plates 25, 28 may be up to 3 inches tall and 5½ inches wide. The front plate 25 has a convex central portion 38 that extends away from the crutch 13 and the back plate 28. The back plate 28 has a concave central portion 39 that extends away from the crutch 13 and the front plate 25. When the front plate 25 and the back plate 28 are detachably connected, the convex central portion 38 and the concave central portion 39 form a channel that provides sufficient clearance for the leg 22 to pass between the front and back plates 25, 28.

The carrying attachment 10 is mounted to the crutch 13 by a plurality of fasteners 36, such as screws, bolts and wing nuts, bolts and nuts, or other appropriate device that allows the plates to be attached to one another. In one preferred embodiment, the plates 25, 28 are attached to one another by two fasteners 36. In a further embodiment, the plates 25, 28 are attached to one another by four fasteners 36. Preferably, the screws 36 extend from the back plate 28 into the front plate 25 enough to engage the plates 25, 28 and squeeze the ends 30, 31, 33, 34 against the side rails 15, 16, and prevent the carrying attachment 10 from sliding along the side rails 15, 16.

The convex central portion 38 of front plate 25 includes a receptacle 40 for an attachment piece 44. The receptacle 40 allows the attachment piece 44 to be connected to the carrying attachment 10. The attachment piece has an attachment element 47 that connects the attachment piece 44 to the receptacle 40 on the carrying attachment 10. In one preferred embodiment, the receptacle 40 includes an elongate slot 41 into which the attachment element 47 fits to secure the attachment piece 44 to the carrying attachment 10. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show an attachment piece 44 having one or more attachment elements 47, such as buttons, nuts and bolts, wing nuts and bolts and other devices that allow attachment of the attachment element 47 to the front plate 25. The buttons 47 are sized and configured to slidably engage in the elongate slot 41.

The attachment piece 44 provides the backing for a carrying element 50 that connects a variety of implements to the crutch, such as shown in FIGS. 4-9. For example, FIG. 4 the carrying element 50 allows for attachment of a flashlight that may have a swivel connection to the elongate slot 41. In FIG. 5, the carrying element 50 fits a water bottle with a closable top in a wire holder that can be connected by an attachment piece 44 to the elongate slot 41. FIG. 6 shows a carrying element 50 in the form of a mug holder that can be connected by an attachment piece 44 to the elongate slot 41. For mugs and cups, it is preferred that the mug or cup has a spill proof top. In FIG. 7 the carrying element 50 is a pair of hooks that can be hingedly mounted to an attachment piece 44 that can slidably engage the elongate slot 41. For such hooks, it is preferred that the hooks can fold flush against the attachment piece 44 when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, such hooks can be held against the attachment piece by magnetic force. FIG. 8 shows the attachment piece 44 comprising a protective laptop computer case. Preferably, such case comprises a plastic enclosure having a padded inner face. Additionally, for a computer case, one end of the enclosure should remain open to allow the computer to slide in. FIG. 9 shows the attachment piece 44 comprising a bag or purse having a closable top.

In some embodiments, the elongate slot 41 may include a detent 42 or releasable locking mechanism to hold the attachment piece when engaged in the elongate slot 41. In other preferred embodiments, that attachment element 47 may be secured to the front plate 25 by a lock, which prevents the attachment element 47 from sliding out of the elongate slot 41.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

1. A carrying attachment for a crutch, comprising: a front plate and a back plate detachably connected to each other, the front plate having a convex central portion and the back plate having a concave central portion, wherein the convex central portion and the concave central portion form a channel that allows a crutch leg to move freely within the channel; the convex central portion of the front plate comprises a receptacle for an attachment piece; the front plate and the back plate each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the front plate and the first end of the back plate form a receptacle for a first side rail, and the second end of the front plate and the second end of the back plate form a receptacle for a second side rail.
 2. The carrying attachment of claim 1, wherein the receptacle for the first side rail and the receptacle for the second side rail prevent the carrying attachment from sliding along the first and second side rails.
 3. The carrying attachment of claim 1, wherein said front plate and back plate have a height of approximately two (2) inches and a width of approximately five and one half (5½) inches.
 4. The carrying attachment of claim 1, wherein said front plate and back plate have a height of between two (2) inches and three (3) inches.
 5. The carrying attachment of claim 1, wherein the front plate is detachably attached to the back plate by a plurality of fasteners.
 6. The carrying attachment of claim 1, wherein the receptacle for the attachment piece comprises an elongate slot configured to accept at least one attachment element on the attachment piece.
 7. The carrying attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment piece further comprises a carrying element selected from the group consisting of a cup holder, a bottle holder, a swivel connector, a hingedly mounted hook, a bag holder, a purse holder, and a computer laptop case.
 8. The carrying attachment of claim 1, built from light weight durable material, such as aluminum or plastic.
 9. The carrying attachment of claim 6, further comprising a releasable locking mechanism for the attachment piece.
 10. The carrying attachment of claim 6, wherein the attachment element comprises at least one button
 11. The carrying attachment of claim 10, wherein the button is configured and sized to engage the elongate slot. 